Purpose: Emergency department thoracotomy (EDT) is a potentially life-saving procedure, performed on patients suffering traumatic cardiac arrest. Multiple indications have been reported, but overall survival remains unclear for each indication. The objective of this systematic review is to determine overall survival, survival stratified by indication, and survival stratified by geographical location for patients undergoing EDT across the world.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: The expert performance approach can be used to examine expertise during representative field-based tasks, while collecting process-tracing measures such as think-aloud verbal reports. Collecting think-aloud verbal reports provides an insight into the cognitive mechanisms that support performance during tasks.
Method: We examined the thought processes and performance of anaesthetists during simulated environments.
The Defence Medical Services are now in an established period of contingency operations. In 2008, the Royal College of Anaesthetists approved a Military Anaesthesia Higher Training Module which could be easily achieved by deploying to the field hospital in Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, for two months under the supervision of a consultant anaesthetist. This opportunity no longer exists but the need to assure quality training and to demonstrate military skill sets is still essential.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe UK Defence Medical Services are currently supporting contingency operations following a period of intensive activity in relatively mature trauma systems in Iraq and Afghanistan. Among the key lessons identified, human factors or non-technical skills played an important role in the improvement of patient care. This article describes the importance of human factors on Role 2 Afloat, one of the Royal Navy's maritime contingency capabilities, and illustrates how they are vital to ensuring that correct decisions are made for patient care in a timely manner.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground And Objectives: This study is the first attempt in the UK to establish the views of senior anaesthetic trainees in relation to acquiring the attributes of an 'ideal' anaesthetist, and how these could be met by a simulation course.
Methods: An electronic questionnaire consisting of open and closed questions was distributed to all 79 post-fellowship anaesthetic trainees in Merseyside, UK. Responses were anonymous and answers to open questions were independently coded into one of three themes: skills, knowledge and attributes/behaviour.
Background: There are many complications involved in the immobilization of unconscious patients with potential cervical spine injuries. In February 2005, the Intensive Care Society (ICS), United Kingdom, produced consensus guidelines to evaluate spinal injuries in unconscious victims of blunt multiple injuries to address this important clinical problem.
Methods: A postal questionnaire was sent to lead consultants of intensive care units in England enquiring about the management of the cervical spine in unconscious trauma patients.